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At Finesse Surgical Solutions, American College of Surgeons fellow Dr. James Schlotter secures health and boosts self-confidence with an array of general and vascular surgical procedures. In an environment reminiscent of a cozy ski lodge, Dr. Schlotter performs services ranging from breast reduction and liposuction to treatments for varicose veins. The office's vaulted ceilings, wood floors, and antique-style furniture put patients at ease like reading Little House on the Prairie while listening to the sound of churning butter.

Since 2005, Dr. Melanie Carreon has performed liposuction and since June 2007, more than 1,000 SmartLipo laser-liposuction treatments to contour and reshape abdomens, thighs, and chins. Accredited by the Accreditation Associations for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), Laser Cosmetic Solutions has met nationally recognized standards for health care and strives to keep patients as safe and comfortable as possible during the procedure. During the treatment, which is performed under local anesthesia, Dr. Carreon uses the SmartLipo MPX 46-watt system to target fat cells with a laser beam that can dissolve the cells on contact and keeps molecular-size thieves from stealing cellular diamonds. The dissolved cells then are quietly massaged from the body in the back of a suction security van or tidily expelled as waste. SmartLipo is a minimally invasive procedure that reshapes problem areas and may improve the appearance of slackening skin, but will not cure obesity or make dramatic alterations.

You might call Paul Jones, managing partner of Elements Laser Spa, a bit of a technology junkie. He worked in the semiconductors industry for years, making equipment for manufacturers in Silicon Valley before deciding to fly solo. He created a company that used lasers to inspect the surface of semiconductor wafers and the insides of sandwich cookies. Jones then collaborated with a group of orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to found what has become one of the leading rehabilitation clinics in the Austin area.
It's no surprise, then, that his latest endeavor?two hip, welcoming laser spas?have taken home four Best of CitySearch awards: in the laser-hair-removal category in 2009 and 2010, and in the hair-removal category in 2011 and 2013. Jones has chosen medical directors who match his zeal for innovation, namely plastic surgeon Dr. Vishnu Rumalla and Dr. Shirat Ling, an expert in medical aesthetic procedures. The staff of certified technicians uses Venus Freeze to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles, Zerona lasers to noninvasively reduce stubborn fat, and advanced Candela systems to remove hair, spider veins, and sun spots.

Practicing in aesthetics and pain management since 2004, Leslie Escalante has concluded that natural remedies can enhance the practice of Western medicine. She left her position as an assistant to a board-certified physician to open Balanced Health & Beauty, where she melds medical practices with natural solutions to combat physical aging. She recruited Dr. J. Scott Gaertner, a board-certified family practitioner and graduate of The University of Texas Medical School, to oversee the center's more involved procedures. These include FDA-cleared cosmetic injections that require absolute precision to create firm, smooth skin, and personalized hormone-replacement regimes that mitigate the fatigue caused by winding the town clock daily.
Representing Escalante's interest in holistic wellness, the center also fosters proper nutrition with Xymogen vitamin supplements and a variety of diet plans. Multitalented lasers use radio frequency to gently clear detritus from pores, evict unwanted hairs, or diminish visible sun damage or spider veins. Traditional facials target conditions specific to each patient's skin type with chocolate antioxidants and pumpkin enzymes, and peels rely on serums from PCA Skin and Obagi to reveal healthy, youthful complexions.

Body Biotics Health & Wellness does what few gyms can—it tones muscles while clients lie down in a softly lit room and snooze or read a book. And it's all possible thanks to Ria and Robey Taute's FDA-approved Electro-Slim treatments, technology designed to stimulate the muscles with mild currents delivered via strategically placed electrodes. The currents quickly contract the muscles, which results in the tightening and toning of particularly troublesome areas, such as the abdomen and love handles.
In addition to helping people spot-treat fat, the Electro-Slim currents boost blood circulation for clients with diabetes and help strengthen muscles for athletes who need rehabilitation after an injury. Body Biotics Health & Wellness also uses supplements such as Body Biotics, pH Perfect, and Aloe Pure aim to rid bodies of toxins and other impurities. These are especially when combined with the nutritional counseling of the onsite diet specialists and National Broccoli Association representatives.

Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Patrick H. Beckham taps his 40 years of experience to lead a skilled staff of technicians in performing Luxe Body Spa's full menu of medical spa treatments and technology-assisted therapies. The staff acquaints patrons with the nuances of its menu of cosmetic procedures during free consultations, elucidating the skin-sloughing power of manually exfoliating microdermabrasion sessions and breaking down the spider-vein-, unwanted-hair-, and fine-line-conquering power of laser therapy. Visitors can explore the benefits of laser body contouring with the Lapex 2000 Lipo Laser to remove stubborn fat deposits unmoved by boot-camp classes, dieting, or promises of a peaceful life on a farm upstate.